Chapter Twenty-Eight
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters nor the scenery, which you could recognise; the only thing I take credit for is the plot.
Pairings: Severus/Marvolo.
Warnings: Dark Harry, Dumbledore, Hermione, and Weasley bashing (excluding Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George).
Word Count: 6,705
Date Written: 18/09/2021
Aldwyn was buzzing as he waves Draco, Blaise, and Tracy off. Closing the Common room door behind himself as he watches the three head towards the Great Hall talking quietly amongst themselves as they go. Wiping his sweaty hands down his trousers, an action which would result in a mild stinging hex to the thigh if his Father saw, and begins to make his way through the cooling corridors to his Papa's private chambers.
He knew he had only been at Hogwarts for a few days now, but he was already missing their family evening meals. That he was actually allowed to sit at the dining table with his Father and his Papa and discuss what they had gotten up to during the day. Sometimes the Malfoy's joined them as well. He missed being able to curl up in his favourite armchair in the family lounge and read with his parents, asking them questions about things he doesn't understand or just sitting in silence with them. Something he hadn't been allowed to even consider when living with the Dursleys.
Aldwyn raps his knuckles on the portrait guarding his Papa's quarters, hands sweating as he patiently, or not so, waits for the door to swing open. Releasing a breath of relief when his Papa stands in front of him with a welcoming smile, an expression which leads to Aldwyn throwing himself at the man, who has become accustomed to his Son's jubilant hellos that he picks Aldwyn up without losing his balance and draws his son into a hug.
"Not that I am complaining, Snakelet but you saw me mere hours ago."
"Doesn't mean I didn't miss you, Papa," Aldwyn responds, wrapping his arms around Severus's neck a little tighter when a response comes in the form of Severus's stuttering release of breath. He knew his Papa loved hearing him say things like that, and truth be told he loved having someone he could say such things to.
"And did you not miss me, my little Snakelet?"
Aldwyn freezes. Eyes widening in surprise as he looks over his Papa's shoulder. With a delighted yelp and a bit of wriggling, Aldwyn manages to escape from Severus's embrace. Running across the stone floor, Aldwyn throws himself at the figure sitting on the sofa in his Papa's private chambers. Cheeks aching with the width of his smile.
"Father! What are you doing here? I missed you!"
Marvolo chuckles. Lifting Aldwyn up to sit on his knee. He brushes a hand through Aldwyn's hair, places a kiss on his forehead, and brings him into a tight hug.
"What, am I imposing on your quality time with your Papa? Am I not allowed to surprise my favourite child with my presence for dinner?"
"Uh-uh. You are. I just didn't think you would be able to. Isn't Dumbles going to know you are here? I don't want you to get into a fight with him just yet, Father."
"Don't worry Snakelet, your Papa is very proficient in wards. His private chambers are impenetrable and have protections strong enough that even Dumbledore cannot know of my arrival, even if he were standing right outside the door."
Aldwyn breathes a sigh of relief hugging his Father closer. He knew that given the right time and location his Father would have little trouble besting the manipulative old coot in a battle but with the amount of young, under-aged children in the castle he would have more to worry about. Besides, if it did come down to a fight to the death in the school, they couldn't be sure that one of Dumbledore's sycophantic followers wouldn't throw a cheap shot in to aid in their Lord's victory. Aldwyn really wouldn't put it past them.
"Now, how about we sit down to a lovely dinner and you can tell us all about your day, Little one. I will apply the bruise salve once we are finished. How does that sound?"
"Brilliant, Papa."
Aldwyn jumps up from his Father's lap and skips through to the small kitchen/dining area. Seating himself he waits until both his parents are sitting in their places before he digs in. It was something Uncle Lucius had instilled in him as correct Pureblood etiquette.
"Bruise salve? Are you injured Aldwyn?" He nods his head slightly, swallowing his food before tilting his head at his Father.
"No too seriously, Father. Papa has already healed the scraps on my palm. We just couldn't apply the salve until the bruises on my knees came out fully."
"What happened?"
"Mister Weasley thought it prudent to trip Aldwyn up at the end of our potions session this morning in an attempt to sabotage his completed potion, which by the way Aldwyn was perfect. I took points, of course, and failed him on the abysmal attempt he had created with his own potion."
Marvolo frowns at his plate, chewing contemplatively while Aldwyn preens at his Papa's praise. He would have been embarrassed if his potion had turned out anything less than perfection with all the preparation he had gone through during the holidays. He would have been ashamed of himself. His Papa had taken his time to explain the steps to him and why some ingredients are prepared the way they are. It had helped him to understand the subject that much better and he now understands just why his Papa is so fascinated with such a topical matter.
"Is there nothing more we can do?"
"Don't worry so much, Father. Draco, I am sure is coming up with a nice little plan against the Weasel. It is going to be amusing."
"Oh, dear. Do we want to know, Aldwyn?"
"Probably not, Papa. You are a Professor; it is better if you are left in the dark. Besides, one of our plans includes the potions you gave me. Another involves some very Slytherin, non-Slytherins…"
Severus sighs, smirking down at his Son. He knows exactly what Aldwyn is planning, or rather he knows the basics of the plot, but as Aldwyn said it wouldn't be wise for him to be privy to its entirety, what with him being a staff member and all. Besides, he had nothing to worry about if Aldwyn is planning to partner up with the Weasley Twins as he had implied. Those menaces were notorious pranksters, ones who left no evidence of their involvement despite everyone knowing it to be them.
"Just be careful, Snakelet."
"I will Father. I observed Fred and George Weasley when we ran into their youngest brother in Flourish and Blotts, they seemed to have a slight disdain towards their family members. Those in attendance at the very least. I am wondering if I could possibly include them in my future plans or not."
"I have a feeling that we are going to be welcoming more Weasley followers into our ranks in the next couple of years, Severus."
Severus flushes, cheeks dusting a pale pink at the implication behind Marvolo's words. Not only had the man heavily implicated his intent to court and then bond with him in the near future but now he is indicating to a joint ruling of the Dark Sect, something he hadn't considered to be a possibility. Slipping his hand across the table, Severus covers Marvolo's with his own.
"That we will, Marvolo. Are you sure we are going to manage four Weasleys?"
"Well, if Aldwyn does manage to bring them over to our side then they can become a part of his sect, that way we won't have to deal with them," Marvolo smirks down at his son, hand tightening around Severus's at his unspoken acceptance of his proposal.
"I will be fine, Father. Bill and Charlie have already agreed to be part of my sect and I am sure I will be able to appeal to the twins. If not, then I am sure their brothers will be able to keep them in line… or as much in line as two notorious pranksters can."
"I am sure they will, Snakelet."
"Have you put any more thought into who else you are going to recruit?"
"Yes. The Slytherin students in my year are going to be recruited sometime this year. I am still hung up on Yuletide. It will be easier to have them all around at the Manor and it will give me a few more months to assess their skills. Draco and Blaise are already unofficial members of the sect. They will be getting their uniforms and their marks along with the rest of them."
"Alright, your Papa and I will take you to Knockturn Alley at the start of the yule break to purchase the uniforms, masks, and anything else you wish to kit them out with. We can return to the Alley whenever you add new members as well."
"Thank you, Father. I was thinking of recruiting Marcus Flint, Adrien Pucey, and Graham Montegue as well. They are in their sixth year and will be graduating next year. This will give me some members in the Ministry as well and will allow for me to assist your goals with the Political aspects."
"It sounds like you have everything planned out, Aldwyn. I am so very proud of you."
"I wasn't going to recruit those three until next year, however. I think adding too many people at once would be too much for me to handle, but I will think about it. I want to suss them out before I make my final decision."
"How are you going to do that? They are four years older than you."
"Quidditch, Father. Draco has somehow persuaded me to try out for the Slytherin Team as they are in need of a seeker and he bragged on my behalf at the welcoming feast. I will scope them out and see if I can convince them to join my sect."
"That is very mature of you, Aldwyn. What if they do not wish to join your sect?"
"The only reason I can think of that they would refuse my offer is if they are set on becoming Death Eaters. If that is the case then it is no skin off my back, we will still be fighting for the same cause so there will be no hard feeling and no damage done."
Aldwyn shrugs his shoulders, he had thought everything through, multiple times. There was nothing that could interfere with his plans that he hasn't thought of. He has considered, Dumbledore and his following, taken into account that he may well be kidnapped by the old fool later on when he is older in order to try and persuade him into becoming a figurehead for the Light or even to get to his Father and Papa. If that were to happen then he will leave instructions for Bill and Charlie as they will be his Beta and Delta; his second and third in command.
"Are you finished with your dinner, Aldwyn?"
"Yes, Papa."
He pushes his empty plate away, downing the rest of his milk (something his parents still insisted on giving him to mitigate some of the abuse he had suffered). Slipping down from his seat, Aldwyn follows his Papa to the living room and settles himself beside his Father on the sofa. Giggling a little when Severus gently pushes his trouser legs up to reveal his knees. An arm wraps around his shoulders when they catch sight of the dark black and purple bruises coating his joints.
"May I kill him?"
"No, Father. You may not. At least not yet, I have plans for the Weasel. Besides they don't hurt too bad, I didn't even realise they were this bad." Aldwyn stutters through his giggles, glancing down at his battered knees again. They looked painful but they didn't hurt in the slightest.
"You are in no pain?"
"No, should I be?"
Severus eyes Aldwyn for a second, searching his face for any signs that he is lying about his injuries but when he finds nothing his gaze saddens. Sharing a glance towards his partner, he sighs inwardly. It appears that Aldwyn has developed a heightened pain tolerance as most students would be flinching away from his searching fingers, if not crying from the pain. It made him want to wrap his child up in as many protection wards as he could and not let him go.
"I am going to apply the salve now, Aldwyn. Tell me if you are in pain or feel any discomfort, okay?"
"Okay, Papa."
Aldwyn leans into his Father's side, smiling when the arm around his shoulders tightens as he watches his Papa spreading a cold gel-like substance around the discoloured skin. As it starts to soak in, Aldwyn giggles when he feels gentle tingles running across his knees and down into the broken blood vessels, knitting them back together and soothing a very minute dull ache that begins at the gentle brush of fingers. He flushes when his Papa places a gentle kiss just above his knees after capping the salve, an action he had seen Petunia do to Dudley every time he had come home injured.
"There you are all done, Snakelet. You will be good as new come tomorrow morning."
"Thank you, Papa."
"You are most welcome, my little snake."
Aldwyn waves goodbye to his parents, turning down the corridor he makes his way back to his common room. He hadn't meant to stay this close to curfew, but he had been reluctant to leave his Papa's private chambers, he hadn't wanted to say goodbye to his Father again. The first time had been hard enough, but with a promise to have dinner together at least once a week from now on, Aldwyn had given in and headed back to his dorm. His steps echo in the silent hallway as he turns the corner, stumbling backward when he runs into a solid figure.
"You must look where you are going, young Aldwyn, can't have you falling down and injuring yourself now can we?"
The cooing voice makes his stomach flip and his skin crawl. Glancing up at the person he had run into Aldwyn grimaces. What in the name of Merlin was he doing so far down in the dungeons, and so close to curfew as well? Bowing his head in silent apology, Aldwyn tries to skirt around the Professor but finds his path blocked as the man steps in front of him.
"I apologise for walking into you, Professor Lockhart, but I must be returning to my dorm. It is almost curfew."
"Ah, dear Aldwyn, I only wish to check on you. I noticed that you were not in the Great Hall for dinner, I was worried that you had gotten yourself into a bit of trouble."
"I am fine Professor. My Papa merely wished to have a private meal with me this evening, so I was in his private quarters. Now, I really must be getting back to my dorm, Professor."
Aldwyn tries to slip past the older wizard, but he once again blocks Aldwyn's escape path. Lockhart holds the young boy in place by wrapping his arm around Aldwyn's shoulders, his perfume invading Aldwyn's nose almost making him chock on the heavy aroma.
"Now, now, how lucky you are dear Aldwyn, to have your Father with you at school. It makes me feel ever so jealous that you would rather have a private meal with Severus than with me."
"Well, seen as Professor Prince is my Papa, it is a given that I would rather spend my time with him as opposed to a stranger who, at our last meeting, harassed me and manhandled me for a picture to improve his own fame and wealth. I would highly recommend that you release me in the next few seconds, otherwise I will have no choice but to report you to the board of governors for acting inappropriately towards a student."
As soon as the threat leaves Aldwyn's mouth, Lockhart drops his arm as if he had been burnt by an Incendio charm much to Aldwyn's amusement. Brushing off his shoulder and jerking his robes back into the correct sitting, he shoots a distasteful glare up at the Defence Professor. The man staggers back a few paces, a sheen of sweat appearing on his brow as he takes in the dark promises hiding in the child's gaze. He was definitely the Son of Severus Snape; the only man he knew of who could pull off an expression such as that.
Taking the chance to escape his Professor before he rights himself after being startled by a twelve-year-old; Aldwyn skirts around the man and heads back towards his common room at a faster rate than before. He didn't wish to be collared by the man again, nor did he wish to be caught out after curfew by one of the Slytherin Prefects. That would lead to some uncomfortable questions from his Papa and Father and he really didn't wish to bother them with the events of the evening just yet. Though if his Professor didn't learn to leave him alone soon, then even the school governors weren't going to be able to stop him.
Aldwyn wakes up in the morning to a heavy pressure resting on his arm, shaking him out of his dreams. Blinking away the sleep clinging to his eyes, Aldwyn squints up at Draco who stops throwing him back and forth, raising his hands up in surrender when Aldwyn draws his wand out from under his pillow in silent threatening.
"What are you doing, Draco?"
"Flint just came round. Anyone who wishes to try out for the Quidditch team needs to make their way to the pitch now. He wants to get the try-outs out of the way before breakfast."
"I'm up. I'm up. Why does he want to train so early in the morning?"
"Apparently he wants to train the team as much as possible despite their win against Gryffindor last year."
"A good thing too. The only reason we won the cup last year was because the Gryffindor Seeker was unconscious in the hospital wing." Blaise joins in, voice blurred with sleep as he sends a wink towards Aldwyn, who flushes lightly.
He hadn't realised that he had missed the last game of the year when he had first woken up in the Hospital wing last year, not until Oliver wood, the Gryffindor captain hadn't stopped talking about it for the rest of the year. Not that he had to listen to it at all, Ronald had informed him on the train back to London. Honestly, he hadn't felt all that bad for the Gryffindor team at the time; they shouldn't have relied so heavily on his skills to catch the snitch for them to win the game. It hadn't been a light thrashing either. According to Ronald, Fred, and George, the Slytherin team had taken the lack of Harry Potter as an opportunity to wreck the Gryffindor team. Their Beaters had quickly taken out the opposing Seeker and Keeper before flying rings around the rest of the team in an effortless win. They hadn't even had to resort to cheating.
He had been hard-pressed not to burst into a fit of laughter when the three had regaled the story to him, it had taken much of his self-control to not go and find the Captain of the Slytherin team and congratulate him n a game well played. He couldn't blow his cover until he was firmly secreted within the Dark sect and even then, it would be risky.
Pushing himself out of bed, Aldwyn quickly goes about collecting his personalised quidditch robes and equipment from his wardrobe. Dressing in the Prince blues and Slytherin greens, the number 21 embroidered on the back in silver. He secures his wrist and shin braces on, slips his fingerless, dragon-hide gloves on, and ties his dragon-hide boots to his feet. Grabbing his Nimbus 2001 from under his bed, Aldwyn turns to face Draco and Blaise who are both staring at him.
"What?" He smooths his hand down his robes self-consciously, biting his lip.
"Nothing, Aldwyn. You look good."
"Thank you, your parents gave these to me for my birthday, remember. I will finally be able to put them to good use." Aldwyn smiles at Draco who grins back. He remembers his parents discussing what to buy Aldwyn for his birthday before he had chimed in about his love for quidditch. Naturally, Lucius and Narcissa had informed Marvolo and Severus about their intent to purchase an entire professional quidditch outfit for their godson/nephew.
"Anyone else trying out for the Seeker position is going to be intimidated by the mere sight of you, Aldwyn," Blaise adds with a wide grin, coming to stand next to Draco fully dressed. His friends had insisted on coming to watch the try-outs after he had informed them of his intention to take part.
"Blaise is right. You are going to be the only one in professional quidditch gear showing everyone else that you are taking this 100% seriously, it will put them on edge from the beginning and give you an advantage over them."
Aldwyn smirks and swings his broom up to rest on his shoulder. He was all for a little manipulation to get what he wanted and, after talking to Draco about the quidditch team during the summer, and the convincing speech Flint conducted he wanted to be welcomed on the Slytherin team more than anything else at the moment. He was a little disappointed that Draco wouldn't be able to try out until next year seen as he wished to play Chaser and no spots were open this year.
"Well, shall we head on down to the pitch? I, for one, cannot wait to see the looks on Flint's face when he sees me coming." Draco and Blaise laugh, following behind Aldwyn as they make their way to the pitch.
The expressions on the Quidditch team's faces, as well as those trying out for the seeker position, were as priceless as Aldwyn had been hoping for. As soon as he approaches the crowd in his pristine, professional quidditch attire he can sense the nervous energy heightening around him and relishes in it. He shares a smirk with Draco and Blaise before the two move off to get seated for the beginning of the tryouts. Turning back to face Marcus Flint again, Aldwyn smiles. There is nothing nice about the expression.
"So, who is my competition?"
A few guys, all older than him by at least two years shuffle and he can't help but look them up and down, many of them were clutching brooms that looked as if they hadn't been maintained or looked after since they were bought. One boy even looked as if he were about to pass out. He tightens his hand on his own broom before swinging it down to his side, the movement catching everyone's eyes.
"You have a Nimbus 2001?" Flint chokes out, a manic glint shining in his eyes. Aldwyn is surprised the sixteen-year-old isn't drooling.
"No. The Slytherin Quidditch Team all have Nimbus 2001s."
Aldwyn reaches into the pocket of his robes and pulls out seven sleek black broomsticks which he places on the floor and re-enlarges causing various gasps and murmurs to break out throughout the group of students. He smirks.
"How?"
"My Father and Lucius Malfoy banded together in order to support the Slytherin Quidditch team this year after their astounding win last year. There are enough here for the entire team."
"You can't just buy your way onto the team, no matter who your father is!" A voice Aldwyn doesn't recognise spits from the back of the group. Turning his attention to the older boy, one he recognises from last year; he had been the Slytherin seeker last year.
"And you are?"
"Terrence Higgs."
"Alright, Heir Higgs. I am not trying to buy my way onto the Slytherin Team. There is no need for me too. I am quite capable of winning the seeker position on my own, thank you very much. I could fly rings around you with my eyes closed. This, as I stated previously, is a reward for the determination and dedication of the Slytherin Team for winning last year. It is no wonder you are here for the tryouts instead of being guaranteed the position if your listening skills in the air are as abysmal as they are on the ground. You were the Seeker last year, were you not?"
The other tryouts snicker at Higgs, shoulder shaking when his face turns a brilliant shade of red much to Aldwyn's amusement. Dismissing the older teen, Aldwyn grins at Flint.
"If I do not make the team this year, these brooms will not be receded. It will be on my own head if I am unqualified as Seeker. There are enough for the entire quidditch team here. If I do make the team then we will have a spare just in case one of ours gets tampered with or broken during a match."
"Thank you, Heir Prince-Slytherin. Will you pass our gratitude on to your Father and Lord Malfoy for us as well?"
"Of course, Heir Flint. Though the thanks is unnecessary." Flint inclines his head to Aldwyn, grinning down at the young boy, he was liking this child more and more and couldn't wait to see him in action.
"Alright you lot, first things first, if you haven't serviced your broom at all in the last two weeks then you may leave now. I am not having people on my team who have not invested in the game nor the upkeep of their equipment. Second, if you are here to increase your status within the house or school, or to attract the attention of witches and/or wizards you may also leave."
The group of 12 students decreased down to four as the rest left with a few grumbles. None of them were willing to encroach on Marcus's pitch when he was in full captain mode, not when they risked being on the receiving end of his wand if he were to find out that they lied to him about their reasons for joining the team. Aldwyn grins, tilting his head to the side in a good attempt to look innocent.
"What if you were essentially coerced into trying out by the Captain of the team?"
"Quiet you. You are trying out if I have to use to attach you to that broom with a sticking charm." Aldwyn chuckles, he knew the older teen would do it as well.
"Now, you will be going up in pairs. The rest of us will play a quick three-a-side skirmish game while the two trying out will battle to catch the snitch. The two who succeed will then battle each other. The one who comes out victorious in the end will become our seeker while the other will be our reserve. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Captain."
"Good. Whetherby, Higgs you will go first. Rosier and Prince-Slytherin you will follow."
The match begins as soon as everyone has pushed off from the ground and instantly Aldwyn has to cover his scoff of derision as the boy he now knows as Whetherby hovers slightly under the game, eyes tilted upwards in an attempt to spy the snitch from below the racing players. Whereas Higgs hovers a couple of feet above the players, eyes sweeping around the pitch in search of the Snitch.
Aldwyn watches the team, forgoing the seekers for a moment, and is surprised to find that they are playing with a beater on each team and two players who seem to be switching between Chasers and Keepers as the game progresses. He watches in fascination as the Quaffle soars through the air, interceptions, feints, and passes coming into play as the players dive, dodge, and spin out of the way of their opponents. He sees an array of manoeuvres and plays that he has never seen before, not while he was playing for his house team last year. Clearly, the Slytherin team was pulling out all of the stocks for this year.
He is pulled from his musings when a loud cheer sounds from above. Tilting his head up, Aldwyn catches sight of Higgs holding something above his head, a wide smug grin stretching across his lips as he glances around the pitch. Aldwyn assumes he is making sure all attention is on him before he slowly makes his way back down to the ground, landing right in front of Aldwyn.
"That, little boy, is how you catch a Snitch."
"Ah. I apologise, but I was too busy watching the real team play, maybe you would like to show me again when my try-out is over?" Aldwyn smiles sweetly at Higgs, looking up at the boy when he snarls viciously almost foaming at the mouth from his retort. Though before he has time to think up a comeback, Flint lands back on the floor.
"Congratulations Higgs, you will be one of our finalists. Whetherby, thank you for trying out but I'm afraid you haven't made the cut. Please vacate the pitch and make your way to the stands for the remainder of the try-out. Aldwyn, Rosier, are you guys ready?"
Aldwyn startles, turning to glance at the fourth year by his side. He didn't know that Avery Rosier had any relatives left. He knew the man had been a Death Eater during the first wizarding war and was still in Azkaban as his Father hadn't had enough time and resources to stage a breakout just yet. Maybe the man had distant relatives he didn't know about.
"Rosier?"
"Yes, Alexander Rosier."
"Felix's cousin?"
"You know my cousin?"
"Not personally, no. Felix went to school with Bill and Charlie Weasley, I believe he was in the same year as William, and they became friends. Bill and Charlie regaled many stories of your cousin when they were tutoring me during the summer."
"Bill and Charlie Weasley tutored the Dark Prince? They have gone Dark?"
Aldwyn pauses, response caught in the back of his throat as he stares up at the fourth year in horrified shock, his Father hadn't had he? Shaking his head in denial, Aldwyn stares around at the older Slytherin's, especially those who were the children of known Death Eaters.
"No. Please, no. Don't tell me that Father has insisted on that title. I told him I didn't want to be known as the Dark Prince." He would deny the fact that he whined for the rest of his life when the others laugh at his plight.
"I am afraid, my Prince, that your Father made it perfectly clear that you are the Dark Prince, the Heir to the Dark Sect and you will be known as such."
"Can we begin the try-out now? I think I need a distraction." Aldwyn turns pleading green eyes to Marcus Flint who snickers at his response.
"Sure thing, my Prince. Are you both ready?" Rosier and Aldwyn nod, the latter scowling up at the Captain who merely rolls his eyes and pushes off the ground quickly followed by the rest of the team. Aldwyn mounts his broom, takes a deep breath, and corkscrews into the air until he settles a couple of feet above the match, much like Higgs had done. He ignores the shouts and cheers coming from the crowd at his move and focuses on searching for the Snitch.
The game begins when the Quaffle is thrown into the air, a quick scuffle for the ball and the team is off throwing back and forth between themselves as the Bludgers come out to play. Aldwyn shakes his head, eyes scanning his surroundings quickly before he catches his first glimpse of the Snitch floating just across the way from where he is sitting. Pressing himself flat against the handle of his broom, Aldwyn glances quickly at Rosier who is scanning the other side of the pitch before he shoots off like a rocket.
Flattening himself as close to the wood as possible, Aldwyn urges his broom to fly faster, following the path of the Snitch as it flies down, weaving through the players who shout and scramble out of Aldwyn's way as he locks eyes on the Snitch. He doesn't notice the game coming to halt as he follows the snitch upwards. He doesn't pay attention to the sounds of the crowd as they are overpowered by the wind rushing past his ears, his blood boiling through his veins.
He doesn't realise the gasps of awe and surprise when he does a complete one-eighty as the Snitch makes a sudden nosedive towards the ground. His hair flies around his face, some escaping from the leather tie as he corkscrews down towards the ground. His hands tighten on the handle of the broom as the ground approaches rapidly. Raising his hand out in front of himself, Aldwyn urges his broom faster still as he closes the gap. As soon as he feels cool metal touching his fingers, he snatches his hand closed and pulls himself level, the tips of his boots brushing against the grass. Holding his hand up in the air, Aldwyn grins when he is met with thunderous applause and cheers from not only the Slytherins watching in the stands but also by the Slytherin team watching from the air.
"Do we even need to hold a decider match, come on Flint, I haven't seen anyone move with their broom like that? It was incredible."
"Yea, I've seen professional quidditch players fail at pulling out of a dive like that."
"Aldwyn, you were amazing. Where did you learn to fly like that?"
Aldwyn's grin widens at the number of compliments flying his way, he had never been on the receiving end of so many before. Not even when he had been the reason behind Gryffindor winning most of their matches. It was nice that so many people were impressed by and recognising his skills instead of putting it down to him being the 'Boy-who-lived'. His smile stretches further when he catches sight of the scowl on Higgs's face, clearly, the older boy didn't like being shown up, especially by a boy four years his junior.
"Aldwyn, Draco's words didn't do you justice. You are outstanding, much better than any other seeker the other teams could wish for. What do you say about being one of our starting members?"
"Really? I thought we were going to have a tie-breaker game or something?"
"There is no need, you are the superior flyer. Not only that but you are a natural in the air. It would be better in the long run for the team if we have a young seeker anyway. That way we will not have to hold tryouts for your position unless you quit the team or graduate. Maybe, one day I will even recommend you for Captain."
"That would be brilliant, thank you, Marcus."
"Don't mention it, kiddo. You have earnt it."
Aldwyn grins. He rushes over to where the Nimbus 2001s are lying on the ground still before he hands them to the Slytherin Quidditch team. He passes the spare one to Flint as well with the request that it be put in the shed housing the Slytherin brooms, or even in the Slytherin changing rooms where it won't be stolen by another team. The quidditch team cheer as they mount their new brooms faces glowing as they kick off from the ground to try out their new gear.
The Slytherin Quidditch team finally traipse into the Great Hall a few minutes late for breakfast, each still donning their bright green robes. Aldwyn trailing behind them in his own brand-new set of house colours, grin threatening to break through his Slytherin mask as he glances up to the staff table. He catches his Papa's eyes as well as the attention of the two Weasley brothers, gesturing down to his attire. Severus nods his head, raising his goblet to let his Son know that he is proud of him while Bill and Charlie give him wide smiles and thumbs up.
Taking a seat near his friends, Aldwyn's happy mood dampens a little when he catches sight of the uneasy expressions on his year mates' faces. Loading his plate with food, Aldwyn glances around the Hall noticing the downtrodden expressions on everyone's faces, even some of the staff were attempting to appear nonchalant.
"What happened?"
"The Daily Prophet released another article on the Disappearance of Harry Potter. It seems as if someone inside the castle is giving them anonymous tips." Pansy answers, sliding a copy of the newspaper towards him; Draco and Blaise take copies from their friends as well and they scan through the article which has caused much uproar within the castle.
Trouble at Hogwarts
Earlier yesterday morning, this reporter has received further updates for you, our loyal readers, about the disappearance of one Harry James Potter, the Boy-Who-lived. As you may all recall, earlier this year just a few short weeks after Hogwarts School broke up for the Summer Holidays, an anonymous tip within the Ministry indicated that Harry James Potter, eleven years old, had been seen tending to his Aunt and Uncles front lawn in the middle of the day, which wouldn't have been all that unusual for the young boy if the tipper had not hinted at seeing many bruises and injuries littering the boy's back, arms and torso.
Auror's responded to the scene in the early hours of the morning only to find out that the Muggle relatives who were responsible for the upkeep of Harry Potter had no idea where their young Nephew had gone off to, or so they claimed. Upon questioning the Muggles, it became clear that something sinister was at play and Harry Potter, the young saviour was missing, suspect dead. A quick search of the property further cemented this fact as it came to light that Harry James Potter, son to war heroes James and Lily Potter had been forced to sleep and live in a small boot closet under the stairs; had been forced to do all of the housework for his relatives and had been starved for the better part of his life. His Muggle aunt and uncle admitted to repeatedly beating their young Nephew several times during the two weeks he had been staying with them after his first year at Hogwarts but refused to disclose anything further.
Here at the Daily Prophet have been holding out hope that the beginning of a new school year at Hogwarts would bring about the reappearance of our young saviour, as have many of you our dear readers. However, we at the Daily Prophet can now inform you that Harry James Potter was not seen boarding the Hogwarts express on the morning of September 1st, nor has he been seen within the halls of Hogwarts this term.
It is with a heavy heart and somber mind that I inform you that this recent absence has further implemented Harry Potter's Muggle relatives in a drastic and horrible crime committed against the Boy-Who-Live. The Aurors in charge of young Harry's case have informed us of their decision to change his case from a missing person report to a full-blown Homicide investigation. Harry James Potter, the Boy-Who-Live, the young child who rid us of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named at the tender age of fifteen months is now suspected and most likely no longer with us.
It is a dark day for the wizarding world when we are faced with the reality that one so young; a magical child who had so much potential; had so much to offer the world has had to leave us so soon and I am sure that I speak for many of us when I say that the young Saviour will always be in our hearts and our memories for all he has done for the future of the Wizarding World.
Rita Skeeter.
A/N
Hiya again everyone. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed this story so far, I love reading them all and have been given so many ideas for the upcoming chapters and years Aldwyn will be in school. If you have any ideas on who you would like to see Aldwyn and Draco partnering up with in the future and drop me a review or a PM and I will count up the votes closer to the time I will be introducing romance for the pair (though I will not be pairing them together, I apologise to all the Drarry fans out there!) Also, if you have any ideas on pranks, yuletide presents or even events you would like to see happen then please feel free to message me as well and I will endeavour to include as many as I can.
I decided to write and upload another chapter after publishing the last one just yesterday because starting next week I will be in University three days a week and work a further three, I will only have one day off each week which I will try to dedicate to writing sections of the next chapter but I may not be able to as I am in my final year and will need to spend a lot of time on my Research Project. Please bear with me through it all as I will be adding physiotherapy sessions on top of this all in a few weeks for my wrist! Another reason why this chapter has been written and published so quickly is because one of my most avid readers and fans of this fanfiction is my younger sister who was quite upset that there wasn't more for her to read. Therefore, this Chapter is dedicated to my sister!
Thank you again for liking, reviewing, and favoriting this story. I hope you continue to enjoy reading it as much as I am writing it.
~Jay-Jay